Join us Read
Listen
Watch
Book
Capital Economy, Business and Finance

Bernie Ecclestone becomes UK’s second-highest taxpayer after fraud payout

Bernie Ecclestone becomes UK’s second-highest taxpayer after fraud payout

Former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone’s HMRC fraud payouts have led to a podium finish for him as the second highest taxpayer in the UK for 2024, according to the Sunday Times. Ecclestone was forced to pay over £650 million in back taxes in a record settlement with HMRC after pleading guilty to fraud last year. Prosecutors alleged the 93 year-old billionaire had failed to declare more than £400 million in overseas assets. After pleading guilty Ecclestone’s settlement became the largest in HMRC history, and he was given a 17-month jail sentence suspended for two years given his “frail” health. Ecclestone narrowly missed out on pole position on the taxpayer list to Alex Gerko, the Russian-born founder of trading company XTX Markets.


Enjoyed this article?

Sign up to the Daily Sensemaker Newsletter

A free newsletter from Tortoise. Take once a day for greater clarity.



Tortoise logo

A free newsletter from Tortoise. Take once a day for greater clarity.



Tortoise logo

Download the Tortoise App

Download the free Tortoise app to read the Daily Sensemaker and listen to all our audio stories and investigations in high-fidelity.

App Store Google Play Store

Follow:


Copyright © 2026 Tortoise Media

All Rights Reserved